Critical Social Theory

In this outstanding reinterpretation - and extension - of the Critical Theory tradition, Craig Calhoun surveys the origins, fortunes and prospects of this most influential of theoretical approaches. Moving with ease from the early Frankfurt School to Habermas, to contemporary debates over postmodernism, feminism and nationalism, Calhoun breathes new life into Critical Social Theory, showing how it can learn from the past and contribute to the future.

ISBN 1557862885   Pages 352 ISBN13 9781557862884 (What's this?)   Volumes 1 Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd   Weight (grammes) 566 Imprint Blackwell Publishers   Published in Oxford Format Paperback   Series title Twentieth-century Social Theory S. Publication date 13 Jul 1995   Height (mm) 228 Library of Congress HM24.C228   Width (mm) 157 DEWEY 301   Spine width (mm) 23 DEWEY edition DC20   Academic level Undergraduate, Professional / Scholarly, Postgraduate

		Acknowledgments
		Introduction
		Series Editor's Preface
1		Rethinking Critical Theory		1
2		Interpretation, Comparison, and Critique		43
3		Cultural Difference and Historical Specificity		70
4		Postmodernism as Pseudohistory: The Trivialization of Epochal Change		97
5		Habitus, Field, and Capital: Historical Specificity in the Theory of Practice		132
6		The Standpoint of Critique? Feminist Theory, Social Structure, and Learning from Experience		162
7		The Politics of Identity and Recognition		193
8		Nationalism and Difference: The Politics of Identity Writ Large		231
		Conclusion		283
		References		298
		Index		317

"This is social theory at its very best. In a host of domains - concerning cultural difference, postmodernism, the politics of identity, and nationalism - Calhoun breaks new ground." Charles Taylor "This is a very well informed and very rigorous critical survey of Critical Social Theory." Pierre Bourdieu "A brilliant synthesis of theory and history: Calhoun works at the cutting edge, facing the future but carrying his traditions with him." Peter Beilharz "This book explores Critical Theory's origins, but more importantly it also shows how certain contemporary writers, despite not usually being recognised as such, have as much claim to the title 'critical theorist' as did Adorno and Horkheimer. It is this essential extension of critical analysis into today's body of theoretical concerns that gives the book its particular importance." Alan Sica

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